Developer plans to build a new resort at Solitude

A British Columbia-based mountain resort developer says it plans to build a $100 million residential and commercial "pedestrian village" at the base of Solitude Ski Resort in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

Intrawest Corp. said it will build about 250 residential units and 40,000 square feet of commercial space in a four-season resort. The first of three phases of development is expected to be offered for sale in the spring 1999. Substantial completion of the village is planned to be in time for the 2002 Winter Games. Solitude will not host any of the Games events.Through an agreement with the ski resort, Intrawest has the right to acquire the land in three separate development phases as the village is built. Solitude will retain ownership of the mountain, resort facilities and common areas. Details will be announced over the next few months.

The announcement comes as Deer Valley, Park City and The Canyons have undertaken major building programs. It also comes as environmental groups opposed expansion plans at nearby resorts, including Alta, Snowbird and Brighton. The groups have asked for a comprehensive environmental impact statement that would include all future building plans in the Big and Little Cottonwood canyons region.

"Solitude is one-of-a-kind, natural treasure, a classic mountain reosrt," said Gary Raymon, president of Intrawest's resort development group said in a press release. "It will become a true four-season destination with an alpine village at its heart and Intrawest is very pleased to be part of the transformation."

The company is one of the fastest leisure-recreation companies in North America in terms of total revenue.